Blackburn Rovers defender Tom Atcheson is being targeted by Manchester United. The 19-year-old rose through the ranks at Ewood Park and broke into the first team last December.

What happened?

Atcheson has been a revelation under manager Michael O’Neill and has also worked under former Blackburn and Red Devils star Phil Jones. The teenager’s impressive performances have prompted the Lancashire club to tie him down to a new deal, although that has not affected the rising interest in his signature.

Why it matters for Blackburn Rovers

There have already been comparisons with Jones, and it now appears that the player could follow a similar path and end up at Old Trafford. The report states: “There are already comparisons being drawn between Atcheson and Jones, who famously progressed through Blackburn’s ranks before earning a high-profile move to Manchester United, and we understand a similar pathway could emerge.”

What comes next?

United are among a number of clubs keeping a close eye on Atcheson’s development, but they are far from alone. | Club | Interest | | --- | --- | | Tottenham Hotspur | Made checks on the defender in recent weeks | | Newcastle United | Made checks on the defender in recent weeks | | Sunderland | Made checks on the defender in recent weeks | | Everton | Made checks on the defender in recent weeks | | Brentford | Made checks on the defender in recent weeks | | Brighton & Hove Albion | Made checks on the defender in recent weeks | | RB Leipzig | Hot on Atcheson’s heels | | Borussia Dortmund | Hot on Atcheson’s heels | | Atalanta | Hot on Atcheson’s heels | | Napoli | Hot on Atcheson’s heels

The Red Devils continued the trend last summer, signing Diogo Leon and Benjamin Sesko to add to their impressive youth brigade. The Premier League giants also boast the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey in their squad, while fans are eager to catch a glimpse of JJ Gabriel, who is earning rave reviews with the youth side.